Long Beach
Police Department
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
(562) 570-5273
LBPDMediaRelations@longbeach.gov
The ongoing investigation into the June 3, 2020 undetermined death investigation has produced new evidence. The investigation has revealed the victim suffered a sexual assault in addition to major trauma to her upper torso, resulting in death. Detectives began investigating the incident as a murder as of June 5, 2020.
The decedent remains identified only as a 66-year-old female resident of Long Beach pending notification of next of kin.
Kerry Johnson, a 69-year-old resident of Long Beach and roommate of the decedent was taken into custody at the scene shortly after the incident occurred on June 3 and was booked on an unrelated charge while the investigation continued.
On June 8, 2020, Johnson was arraigned on one count of murder and one count of a felony sexual assault related to the June 3 incident. Johnson is currently being held without bail at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles.
On June 3, 2020, at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1800 block of West 25th Street to assist the Long Beach Fire Department with a medical emergency, which resulted in the death of a female adult.
Upon arrival, officers learned the victim was determined deceased at the scene by Long Beach Fire personnel. The female is only being identified as a 66-year-old resident of Long Beach pending notification to next of kin by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
The preliminary investigation revealed suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Homicide detectives responded to the scene. The cause and manner of death will be determined later by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Oscar Valenzuela and Eric Thai at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smart phone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.crimestoppers.org.